Duck Boat Captain Indicted In Sinking That Killed 17 People

Kenneth Scott McKee is facing 17 counts of misconduct, negligence or inattention to duty by a ship’s officer resulting in death.

The July accident occurred when the popular tourist attraction – nicknamed a “duck boat” for its ability to operate on land and water – sank in a lake near the town of Branson after a severe storm rolled into the area.

McKee, 51, is accused of not properly assessing the weather before or after the boat went on the lake. The U.S. Coast Guard found probable cause that the accident “resulted from the misconduct, negligence, or inattention to the duties” by McKee, according to an August court filing.

A total of 17 people, including children, died after the boat capsized, including nine members of Tia Coleman’s family who were vacationing from Indiana.

The wind speed at the time of the accident was more than 70 mph, just short of hurricane force, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. Weather forecasts had warned of an impending storm with winds possibly exceeding 60 mph.

Ripley Entertainment, the company that operated the boats, suspended operations following the accident.

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